I came here about a year and a half ago because it had been a year since my last vision exam, and I needed to update my prescription. They were the nearest place that accepted my insurance, so I went ahead and made an appointment. After a standard vision exam (I told them I didn't need to be dilated or any of that extra stuff; I just needed to update my prescription), I went to the front counter to pay. To my shock and horror, in addition to my $15 copay, I was charged an extra $75 for a "contact lens exam". WTF. The exam I had was the exact same vision test given for people who only wear glasses, yet for some reason, according to them, the fact that they were writing out a prescription for contacts instead of glasses warranted an extra seventy-five dollars? That's ridiculous, appalling, and illogical. I could understand (maybe) if I had never worn contacts before and needed to be fitted and taught how to put them in, but I've been wearing contacts for over 10 years, and they didn't perform any extra services that they wouldn't have done if it was just for glasses. I should have refused to pay it, but I was so stunned and upset that I just paid and walked out in shock. Later, I discovered that the contacts she prescribed weren't even right; they were way too strong and gave me headaches. It had been a month or two by the time I discovered this (I was still using up the rest of my old contacts before getting new ones) and when I called to complain about the incorrect prescription, the receptionist said that it had been "so long" that my vision probably changed again since my appointment. Okay? I understand that it could have got worse in that time, but it most certainly wouldn't have magically got better. She said I could come in for another appointment but I would have to pay for the whole thing again; she had a really bad attitude and actually yelled at me when I tried to protest. I ended up having to make another appointment elsewhere to get the correct prescription. My experience with Modern Eye Optometry was thoroughly terrible, and I will absolutely never be back. read more

I've seen both Dr. Rivera and Dr. Lin here and both have been fabulous. Probably the best eye doctors I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot!). They are thorough, engaging and take great care of their patients. Dr. Rivera takes ample time to explain how the eye works and what causes certain symptoms (like dry eyes). He does not rush you in and out. I left here having learned a ton and will continue to visit this office for all of my eye care needs. Jose and Jennifer are also incredibly helpful and a pleasure to work with! read more

I came in to get my frames adjusted. The lady totally botched it and bent my frames asymmetrically and terribly. I had to go elsewhere to get them fixed. She ended up charging more than she initially quoted. And lastly I found her overall demeanor to be pretty abrasive and unfriendly. read more

I live in Rockridge and they took my insurance, so decided to try it out. I was grateful they took walk-ins. Unfortunately I should not have walked in! My glasses took about 2.5 weeks to arrive. For my contacts, they would not let me sample or try better brands, and instead ordered me the old/basic brand because they said it would cost $55 each time I tried a different brand. Also, I found my old contact prescription from a year and a half ago, and the prescription was actually worse than the one they gave me so I was confused. So I went back (before my contacts arrived) and asked about it, and the receptionist told me that "happens all the time." Then I called to ask the optometrist, and she actually yelled at me and said I was "insinuating she was incompetent." No, I was actually just asking a question about my prescription. She then told me I should obviously go to a different doctor next time. My contacts took 3 weeks to arrive. I ordered 4 boxes because that's how much my insurance covered (I was told the boxes were $25/box, and my insurance covered $100). Then the receptionist changed the order to 2 boxes (without asking/telling me first) because "the price fluctuated." Yet they still charged my insurance $100 and I did not get any additional contacts. You think just because they have fancy frames in the window that this store is a high class store, but my experience was terrible. read more

uuuuuuuggh, this place makes me groan so hard and my eyes roll so bad, they feel like they're gonna fall out of my face. 1. Reception lady needs to not be so damn rude... seriously, i just wanted a pair of glasses, you're just sitting there, why cop a 'tude? 2.Cool choices...EXPENSIVE choices, but that's what i get for wanting to be stylish. 3. Glasses took FOREVER to arrive, meaning i was driving around blind as a bat 4. Dude- Doc got my prescription wrong! 5. Second time around Glasses took FOREVER to arrive again! 6. A homeless man stole my $300 glasses...this isn't their fault, but made the whole process that much worse- uck. read more

Tried to establish a new patient record and had multiple conversations regarding insurance provider with the male admin. Had evidence with my benefits that they re-activated my insurance. He refused to re-look at their system. Seems like they are not in a rush to see new patients or get new customers. Business may not be top priority as the admin was rude and explained about the extra paperwork he would need to fill out if I was without insurance coverage. Go anywhere else where new patients and service are appreciated. read more

I've actually been coming here for glasses for quite a few years with satisfaction, but I'm also not a usually a big price comparison person. I know I will usually pay more in this neighborhood and I've been satisfied with exams and service of the team here, even when they mixed my file up with my husbands ex-wife whom shares the same last name (another story) and called me by her name. However recently I decided to transition to contacts and had a "eye opening", pun intended. In the exam she explained the price structure of getting contacts for the first time. I paid for an exam $225 (even after I had an eye exam a couple of months back) and we ordered trials to meet my prescription (first timer, multi-focals). I was then surprised there was an additional $75 fee for "training", which was basically someone showing me how to put in and take out the contacts, 10 min MAX. It was explained that the REQUIRED follow up visit would either cost $85 if that first pair worked PERFECTLY (remember first time, multi-focals, what are the chances?). If I need any changes, it would be another $225, seriously. The only other option would be to pay $500+ and I would get as many adjustments as needed. OK. I left, and then called three other offices also in the area to compare pricing. They practically laughed. None of the other three charged that high for initial exam, two had no charge for the "training" (the one that did, charged $35) and none of them charged for follow ups, it was deemed "part of the service". One had restrictions to changes within 90 days, which is reasonable. I called to speak to the doctor, and left a message with the office staff, she said she would relay my message. I had been going there for years, I wanted to give them a chance. Over a week later, she calls me back to say the doctor said she told me all the fees (she couldn't call me herself). Yeah, no one was arguing that point. My point is that the price structure is a rip off. I never went back to do the follow up, I took my business to another practice. I even paid again for an exam so I could start clean, and because they wouldn't give me the prescription since I had not paid for my "follow up". Ridiculous. read more

Dr. Lin always spends a long time talking with me about various eye issues, including Lasik pros/cons and contact lenses. She is the first optometrist who dilated my eyes (trippy!) and always does the peripheral vision test with the blurry dots and the push button. The office is clean, organized, and has quite a good selection of frames. I have a difficult time finding glasses that fit my narrow temples, but I found a great pair there last year. Dr. Rivera is also good. The office is directly across from Zachary's Pizza. read more

While their staff, opticians, and optometrists are super nice and friendly (the two stars), I do not recommend going to this place. I went in just for a check-up since I hadn't been in a couple of years, and Dr. Rivera found a totally new prescription. I thought all was well until I got the glasses, which gave me such a bad headache! I went back and shockingly, Dr. Rivera tested me again and found an entirely new prescription! I tried this new prescription out, and alas, same situation- headache, incorrect prescription. I decided when I was back in Boston to go to my old optometrist just to have him check out what was wrong, he tested me and said the prescription Dr. Rivera had given was incorrect. I ended up just asking for Dr. Rivera to put my original lenses back into my frames... after wasting over 5 trips to see him, and over $150 for the lenses (with insurance!). On top of those frustrations, each time my lenses were getting adjusted, it took a minimum of two weeks without my frames (i.e. I was without my glasses for months on end, having to use my "spare" glasses with a very outdated prescription)! They have some machines in there that seem really new and updated, but the main one looks really old and the glass in the eye-holes is foggy (I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the wrong prescription?). If you have basic near/far-sighted problems, they may be ok... but add any astigmatism issues, and stay far away. Also, very small selection of frames, and if you want to just put new lenses into your old frames, just make sure they're not rimless or a special type--- they are terrible with adjustments of both lenses & frames! Wish I could have had more positive things to write on here :( read more

This is unfortunate because the DRs are really good DRs. I've been coming here for 3 years. Again really like the DRs and the main woman who works at the front desk (I think her name is Jennifer). However, Jose has literally ruined this office/practice along with some pervious low level employees they've had working here. I'm at the point that I will never go back again. When I first started coming here I ordered contacts. No one informed me they were backordered and therefore, I kept running out of trials. It got to the point that they CHARGED me for trails because of said back order when I could have ordered these lenses from a different vendor and had them in 48 hours for less and not needed trials to begin with. Then Jose came along. I'm very busy so I try to leave detailed messages and do not think it's that unreasonable to expect someone will actually LISTEN to the voicemail and complete the task (ex: please order me 6 months of lenses, I do not want to use my insurance, here is my credit card number, please just order and call me when they are in.) More than 24 hours later I receive a VM from Jose asking about insurance, whether I want them shipped to me, etc) and in the meantime no one has ordered my contacts. I call back and get the VM AGAIN and explicitly state no insurance use on this order and I will pick them up, state card info again ask for them to be ordered ASAP. Received ANOTHER VM from Jose asking about insurance and shipping v pick up and then started talking over me and arguing with me regarding this whole ordeal. In the meantime it's been 5 days of voicemail phone tag and I'm no closer to having contacts ordered. Finally, I just asked for my RX and bought elsewhere. Also, turns out my brother who's the one who referred me here recently had a major issue with Jose and his incompetence and since has taken his business to a different practice in the area. I will be following suit. It's a shame that such good DRs are allowing lazy, ill mannered, incompetent individual ruin their business. read more

I just moved here so basically I picked the optometrist with the coolest sounding name not knowing what I might walk into. The Dr. was really really nice, she was dressed really cute and I left thinking that somehow being an optometrist was a really glamorous profession. They were completely honest with me, my prescription had not changed and she said I could have upped my prescription a bit but there was really no need. Staff was friendly and curteous and my contacts arrived in two days. I will be back. read more

I had to schedule my appointment with Dr. Susan Lin a few weeks in advance--no walk-ups here. She was extremely professional and gave the most thorough eye exam I've ever had (more detailed than my family optometrist). She took her time to explain everything. My only problem was that the entire visit was a few hundred dollars, way more than what my insurance would pay. But her professionalism--and the fact eyes are really important--helped ease some of the pain to my wallet. read more

Dr. Lin is great, really good at getting the job done while being friendly. And I love when she looks at the optic nerve and tells about its state of health to me. The office staff is helpful and gives honest impressions of the eye glasses, and which to choose. read more

Dr. Rivera is very thorough. I have been going here for years, off and on (whenever one of my jobs carries insurance).

My children have been seeing Dr. Lin and Dr. Rivera since the year of their first eye appointment. Both my kids were in glasses before first grade. Both doctors understood that we weren't wealthy and always helped us find fun solutions in affordable eye wear for my children. Recently the economic downturn has hurt our family income considerably. Both doctors helped even more - with compassion and time in figuring out how to satisfy my teenagers need tor good looking, quality eye wear that was affordable. My daughter almost lost the vision in one eye when she was 13. She had been wearing contacts for awhile but was not taking care of her eye health. She woke up one Sunday morning and was unable to open her eye. We called the emergency number on the practice's outgoing message and both doctors came into the office. Because of their advanced training and graduate work they were able to save her eye and avoid a trip to the emergency room where we may not have found a doctor with the same expertize. If we had waited a couple of hours longer her vision in that eye would have been lost. Check out their profiles. The amount of post graduate expertize they bring to the practice is incredible. I highly recommend both these doctors and their practice. read more

I've been going to Moderne Eye since it opened... even when I lived in New York... even when I lived in southern California. I've primarily worked with Dr. Lin, and I completely respect and trust her. Dr. Rivera is easy to work with as well. Exams are thorough and well explained, and the help I've gotten in finding glasses has been great. The frames are high end and, consequently, pricey. But, I love my glasses and get plenty of compliments on them. If you have VSP, you're in luck. If not, put a little more in your HSA and save up for a visit; I think it's worth it. read more

Love, love, love. I have been going for years. My eyes are very complicated (kerataconus, dry eyes, glaucoma suspect). Dr. Sue Lin gives INCREDIBLE service, better than my opthamologist. My husband was on a contact lens study with her business partner and husband, Dr. Reuben Rivera, at UC Berkeley. He gives Dr. Rivera a glowing review. Both are trained by UC Berkeley School of Optometry and I think Dr. Lin did a residency at the UC Davis Eye Institute. Over the years, I have gotten contact lenses, sunglasses, reading glasses and distance glasses here. The opticians are also very good... friendly, helpful and quick. I could not recommend them more! read more

This place is despicable, particularly the optician Jennifer. She/they sell you on something and then tell you they never said that, then charge you more for what you expected in the first place... They've been late multiple times on orders/repairs; they stated there was a lifetime warranty but then charged $130 to fix a pair of glasses; when late, they don't bother to let you know and act like you should have known it would be late... All optometry/local eye wear stores can be expensive... but this place is more expensive than most and is the most dishonest I've ever experienced. read more

Dr. Rivera is the kindest, informative and helpful eye doctor I've ever been to. The rest of the staff is also very helpful. Their prices are higher than some. They carry very nice frames tho. I find the selection a bit limited. read more

so. i'm in the area. i'm about due for new frames. my buddy from out of town and i duck in to take a look see. the man there greets us - great! i tell him "i've never been here. i'm just looking to see what you have". cool. 30 seconds later he asks if there is something in particular i am looking for - in this tone that was a little off - like he, i don't know, like he was uncomfortable with our presence. i reiterate "i am just browsing". a couple minutes later i spotted a pair of Starcks i thought might look good and - as i've done for the past 25 years that i've worn glasses - i asked if i could try "that pair right there". he then, before opening the case proceeds to ask me if i have a prescription with me that i am going to fill. at this point i just start laughing and reiterate that i am now telling him for the third time i am new to the shop's selection and just shopping. "my man, clearly i make you uncomfortable and in turn you're making me feel unwelcome - so i will leave. thanks" so, i don't know what dudes issue was. the yelp reviews with emphasis on rude treatment are not surprising though. never again. read more

My boyfriend and I both saw Dr. Rivera last week for full eye exams. We were extremely pleased and delighted with every aspect of our visit. Dr. Rivera came highly recommended to us by one of our co-workers who has been going to the office for years. We went to our appts knowing that Dr. Rivera is an exellent doctor, but he and his staff exceeded our expectations. Dr. Rivera took time to explain everything. His manner is warm, professional and accessible. His office staff is friendly and helpful. We are so happy to have Dr. Rivera as our optometrist! read more

I am giving this place 5 stars because of Olivia who is super knowledgable and friendly and a wonderful salesperson. It is so refreshing to go into a retail store and have someone who is great at their job. Thank you Olivia! read more

This store does not have the inventory nor style they are so boring compared to Phoenix Optical up the street. At Phoenix I was greeted by young lovely staff and Dr. Ascher is so good at telling stories about his family business that started over 100 years ago!! Wow that's a long time to be in business maybe that's the reason you guys have thousands of different frames to choose from. read more

In response to Sameena S. This place DOES NOT have a lab, so it was not THEIR lab that broke the lens. If you have insurance, it was probably YOUR insurance lab that broke the lens and delayed the order. Next time you should complain to your insurance read more

Worst place ever! Rude staff. Went there cause I needed reading glasses. Was not greeted at all when I got there. I am not even sure the doctor knew what she was doing. She prescribed glasses that are not helping at all. I want to go back but apparently I'm not going to be covered cause I should have gone before. I was sick and missed my visit. Now, if I want to to the doctor, I'll have to pay from my pocket. Maybe the doctor should have known what she was doing in the first place? I'm never going back there. I see a lot of bad reviews have been posted about that place. I should have read them before going there. read more

f you want to get the best service you deserve at this place, be prepared to spend LOTS of money. Dr. Sue Lin shows obvious favoritism to those who are willing to spend more in her office - for a professional field, that's pretty un-professional. i was sitting there waiting for my appointment with her, watching as she treats her patients so drastically different. if there weren't the other optometrists at her office (like Dr. Ha and Dr. Riviera), I would say stay away from this office - b/c it's not worth it. read more

the reason for the mixed reviews is because this place is so inconsistent. sometimes you get great service. sometimes you get a good exam. sometimes you get horrible service and sometimes you get dr lin on a bad day when she is a jerk... or dr rivera can't quite follow through on his exam results. don't go here. it isn't worth the money that gets thrown down. read more

Dr. Ruben Rivera is great - doesn't rush annual visits, takes time to explain what's going on with my eyes, what each test is about, and what's in store in terms of vision issues for your particular age range. Counter staff is awesome too - very friendly and willing to help you with selecting *just* the right frames! Open Saturdays for those who can't break away from the work week. read more

I don't write many reviews on Yelp, and don't even see the half dozen I've written over two years ago, but I'm ashamed not to have written one about Moderne Eye. I've received nothing but superlative service, primarily from Reuben but also from Sue, over the 15 years I've been going to them. They are incredibly professional, warm and engaging and offer the best eye service I've ever experienced. I've presented them with difficult fitment/reaction issues to contacts over the years and on several occasions they've re-examined my eyes and dealt with me on several follow up appointments in order to best address my vision needs ("vision needs" - that sounds like a TV ad!). Although they haven't miraculously restored my sight to 20/20 vision without glasses/contacts they've done the very next best thing and for that I'm grateful. I see comments about their pricing but I think the thorough attention and value they offer, in a high rent neighborhood, makes their exam fees completely reasonable. For glasses there are cheaper alternatives and you can always take your prescription elsewhere to take advantage of those (although I've bought mine from Moderne Eye). My wife has also been going to Moderne Eye for 15 years and she would give Sue and Reuben 5.5 stars if she ever posted a review on a business - which I don't see ever happening as our kids joke that she can't find the "ON" button for a computer (not true - it just takes her a while!). If you want the best for your eyes go see Reuben or Sue. read more

After my glasses were delayed due to breakage at their lab, and after many empty promises of expediting and following up, I can truly say that customer service is nowhere near a priority at this place. I cancelled mine and the husband's future appts. Would NOT recommend. read more

Overly expensive. Reuben was nice but Susan was unprofessional and mean to me. I would rather go back to the optometry office across the street. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Susan Lin for nearly 15 years. I am a health care provider, and am pretty (okay,VERY) opinionated about the care I receive in heath encounters of all kinds. Dr. Lin is the smartest, kindest and most efficient optometrist I have ever known, and I've worn glasses or contacts since third grade (a REALLY long time ago.) She and Dr. Reuben Rivera (also excellent) have a small and elegant business in the middle of Oakland's Rockridge district (blocks from BART.) Their frame selection is not huge, and the prices are high because they deal in high quality products. And, they deliver on style and service.The drs. do an excellent job of training the front office staff in adjusting eyeglasses, and I usually enjoy the input of staff in choosing new frames. I just got new glasses. Estimated time of delivery was seven working days, but they arrived three days early. Bottom line is finding someone smart, well educated, and experienced to take care of your eyes and vision. These folks are among the best. read more

I am fairly new to eyeglasses, and hence this first year has led me to making some eyeglass mistakes (ie: too heavy, too thick frames, and frames that are cool but don't go with all my clothes). So, after visiting many different optical stores, optometrist offices and everything in between, I landed here. The two women working there were extra helpful while I hemmed and hawed at the different glasses, and they really worked to find what I was looking for- not trying to pressure me in any way. They were honest about one very expensive pair that I liked, but they knew customers had experienced some issues with them. They were also especially patient in helping me to figure out and price out the cost of the glasses, coordinating two benefits plans, and figuring out how much I was going to have to pay for my disturbingly expensive progressive lenses. They even called VSP right there and got all of the details I needed. They had a good selection (not the biggest) of stylish and modern frames and they are NOT cheap, so be warned. But like many things (but certainly not all) you get what you pay for. My moderately priced glasses from Kaiser, are forever foggy. read more

I saw Dr. Reuben Rivera for a new prescription for my contact lenses. He was very, very thorough--spent well over an hour fitting me and carefully explained each step and the physical characteristics of my cornea. My lenses fit beautifully and my vision is improved. I highly recommend his services. read more

Went to Modern Eye Optometry today and had a thorough exam with Dr. Rivera to get my contact prescription renewed. Turns out I didn't even need a new prescription, just a new supply of contacts for the year. Everyone in the office was smart, professional, and friendly. read more

My husband and I have been coming here since the day they opened and have never been unhappy - one of us goes to Dr. Lin, the other to Dr. Rivera. The opticians who work out front are all very skilled at fitting glasses and recommending frames, as well as serving as tie-breaker vote if you can't decide. The selection is excellent and they have special-ordered an Oliver Peoples sunglasses frame once when the optician knew it would be just the right one for me...and it was. I still wear them and feel like a movie star. Currently wearing a pair of Oliver Peoples burgundy plastic almost cat-eye, very comfortable. Have worn progressives for years and they and the manufacturer have always stood by all the warranties. You need an appt. for an exam, but you may drop in to view lenses - good to call and find out when they'll be at lunch. read more

Since their opening, I've appreciated the thorough, personable service and great selection of glasses at Moderne Eye. Sue Lin and Ruben Rivera are very professional and clearly love what they do. They're also regular people -- down-to-earth and personable. I actually find my eye exams fun. Because I wear glasses all the time, I'm willing to splurge a bit on frames -- they're a prominent part of my appearance. I'm happy with the selection at Moderne Eye, and really just wouldn't think of going anywhere else. read more

Got several pairs of glasses and exams over the years and Docs always seem competent. Very ordinary atmosphere- which is good in an eye doc... read more

CAVEAT EMPTOR. $500.00 to get a prescription to re-order contact lenses. dr fast-talker jane stonich explains thus: $250 to determine what kind of glasses i needed. WHAT??? well, the receptionist did take my glasses for a minute or so and then returned them. a $250 job? i doubt it. besides, i didn't want glasses; i wanted to refill my lens prescription. the other $250 charge was for a contact lens fit. WHAT??? i've been wearing contact lenses continuously since 1972 or so. charging for unnecessary tests? white collar crime? enough to sway you in avoiding moderne optometry? let me continue. there should have been no doubt what i wanted. when i made the appt i showed them my old lens boxes with the specifications and said i wanted to order more lenses. need an appt. then on the day of my appt with stonich i produced the boxes again with the same pronouncement, and she said since my last exam was more than a year old i needed a new exam. after the exam stonich told me to try some new brand and return in a week. on my return when i questioned the $500 charge, she went to talk to the receptionist and came back saying that maybe they had charged me $75 more than they should have, but they couldn't refund me the money (a lie) but they'd give me a credit against any lenses i'd buy from them. now i'd paid $167 for my previous four boxes; this time i went online and bought them for $161.46. moderne optometry's price -- $77/box x 4 = $308. the greed, the greed. the final irony: my contact lens prescription per their exam is EXACTLY the same as my old one. read more